Ritual
scene from the walls of the north-west palace at Nimrud. Holding
the emblematic bow and a sheaf of arrows, Ashurnasirpal is shown
followed by a winged figure or genius making offerings to a
god. The objects in the hands of his attendant are a fir-cone
and a bucket to contain oil or honey. The figures are highly
formalised, but instinct with a certain dignity, and make their
ceremonial gestures with spaciousness and freedom.